Overused Training Method: Plyometrics
By Stephen McCarthy
Plyometrics for sport performance are mainstay in almost every jump training program. The problem arises that plyometrics are probably one of the most misunderstood training methods in the training world today. They are very aggressive and overused which leads to less than stellar results. On the other hand, plyometrics will provide the stress needed to improve your game.
Before we go into the details, lets start with the definition. The word plyometric was originally used as replacement to the term “shock method” Over the years, the definition has expanded to include almost any form of jumping and landing training exercise. In my mind, this is an over reach. The purest definition of the plyometrics is a dropping from a raised surface, landing and then bounding in the shortest amount of time. Today, the definition does not include the dropping from a raised surface. It is the engaging of the stretch shortening cycle under stress to produce a training effect.
The biggest problem is that the training method is one of the most aggressive methods of training and is the easiest to do at home. And in America if 20 foot contacts or reps are the recommended prescription, then 100 would be better. This is not true for plyometrics. More is not better, you must stay within the researched methodologies to gain the results from your work.
Simply follow the plyometric training program including; the recovery time, limit your foot contacts and make sure each rep is done with max effort. And you may see the results of your work, not overuse injury.